Self-propelling grading and dirt-loading machine.



No. 689,638. Patented nec. 24, mol. 6. F. comma'.v SELF PRDPELLING GRADING AND DIRT LD'ADING MACHINE.

(Application led Nov. 21, 1900 y(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet I xq I, III- I will t H v l I l l JI Il o I 1 IN s if@ IQ g WITIEEEES BLM-@Uk No. 689,638. Patented Dec. 24, 190|.

F. DONNER. SELF PROPELLINGGBADING AND DIRT LOADING MACHINE.

(Application d Nov. 21, 1900.)

N l n n 1u A Y RR WIV ,L Ik E) l t H j l n n I I 0% @m v A i .I jf

AH E

No. 689,638. .Patented Dec. 24, |901.

. Gv. F. DONNER. SELF PRUPELLING GRADING AND DIRT LOADING MACHINE.

(Application led Nov. 21, 1900.) V (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3.

SELF PROPELLING GRADING AND D|RT`LOAD|NG MACHINE.

(Application Bled Nov. 21, 1990.) (No Model.)

' sheet 4.

, (W Nimh M UEEEEE Q l l Trff; imi

No. 689,638. Patented Dec. 24, 190|.

Y G. F. DONNER. SELF PRDPELLING GRADING AND DIRT LDADING MACHINE.

(Application led Nov. 21, 1900.)

(No Model.) v 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

Y Il

y TMI-a Tn: Noan PErERs as., pHoro-Limo., WASHINGTON, n. c.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

GEORGE F. CONNER, OF PORT HURON, MICHIGAN.

SELF-PROFFELLINGGRADING AND DIRT-LOADIN-G MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 689,638, dated December 24, 1901.

Application filed November 21, 1900. Serial No. 37.251. (No model.)

To all whom it mayconcern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE F. CONNER, a i

citizen of the United States, residing at Port Huron, in the county of St. Clair and State lof Michigan, have invented a new and useful Self-Iropellin g Grad ing and Dirt-Loadin g Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to self-propelling grading and dirt-loading machines.

The object of the invention is to provide a construction and arrangement of self-propelling grading and dirt-loading machine which is simple and efficient.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction wherein the dirt-loading apparatus may be operated independently of the traction driving mechanism of the propeiling devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction for efficiently supporting and adjusting the dirt-loading devices.

A further object of theinvention is to provide a construction wherein the grading appliances are efficiently supported and braced.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter. v

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement of parts,fall as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure l is a view in side elevation showingaconstruction of tractionengine and grading and dirt-loading attachinentembodying the principles of myinvention. Fig. 2 is a View similar to Fig. l, taken from the opposite side of the machine. Fig. 3 is a rear end elevation. Fig. 4 is a top plan view. Fig. 5 is a broken detail view, in side elevation, showing the arrangement of traction-gearing. Fig. 6 is a broken sectional detail View of an equalizing-gear employed in connection'with the traction driving-gearing. Fig. 7 is a broken detail view, in longitudinal section, of the {1y-wheel, friction-clutch, and maindrive-gear. Fig.l 8 is a broken detail view,'in longitudinal section, of the universal gearing for driving the dirt-loading apron.

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign Wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In carryingout my invention I employ a traction-engine, which maybe of any wellknown, suitable, or convenient type of construction and arrangement, and uponA the frame of such engine I mount an auxiliary frame, upon which is supported a carrier or loader, and I also support upon the tractionengine frame a plow or other suitable or convenient grading device adapted to deliver to the carrier or loader. In connection with the traction-engine I employ a main drive-shaft adapted to be driven from the traction-engine and upon which is mounted a fly or balance wheel, and I employ such iiy or balance wheel as the driver for the actuating devices of the loading attachment. I also mount upon'said main shaft a main drive-gear adapted to be clutched in a suitable and convenient man1 ner to the main drive-shaft and from which main drive-gear the traction-wheels of the engine are driven. I also make provision in the actuating devices for the loading mechanism for the proper raising and lowerinor or adjustment of said loading mechanism without disturbing the efficient engagement and relation of `such actuating devices. In machines of this class it is also desirable to provide means whereby a suitable equalizing effect is secured in the driving mechanism for the tractionwheels in order to enable the machine'to readily turn at corners.V My invention therefore includes provision for accomplishing this result. AIt is also desirable. to so support the grader or plow as to eiciently brace the same. Myinvention therefore includes provision whereby this result is also secured.

As an illustrative construction embodying the principles of my invention, but to which, however, the invention is not to be limitedor restricted, I have shown a traction-engine A, suitably supported upon supporting-wheels B and traction-wheels C.` The traction-en-f` gine may be driven in any suitable or convenient manner. In the illustrative form shown a steam-engine is employed, which may be of the usual or any ordinary construction and arrangement adapted to drive a main shaft D. Upon this shaft is keyed or otherwise suitably supported to rotate there- IOO with a belt-wheel E, which may also serve as a y or balance wheel. The main drive-pinion F and clutch-sleeve G engaging therewith are loosely sleeved upon said shaft D.

II designates a clutch device, through which clutch-sleeve G and main drive-pinion F may be clutched to rotate with belt or fly wheel E and shaft D. This clutch device may vary in the specific details of construction thereof without departure from the spirit and scope of my invention. As an illustrative form embodying a preferred construction a friction-clutch is used, a handle or lever J serving to effect the clutching or unclutching operation through a rod K in a well-understood manner through a sliding sleeve L and clutch-arms M.

The traction-wheels C are mounted upon an axle N, said axle being driven from main drive-pinion F by any suitable or convenient train of gearing. In practice, however, I prefer to interpose in this train of gearing from the main drive-pinion Fito the axle Nan equalizing-gear in order to enable the machine to readily and easily turn corners or the like. In Figs. 2, 5, 6, and 7 I have shown such arrangement of gearing comprising a gearwheel O, meshing with and driven from pinion F. Gear O meshes with and drives a gear P and through which is rotated a pinion Q, which meshes with and drives a gear R on the axle N. The diiferential or compensating gear mechanism is included in this train of gearing, and a convenient arrangement is shown in Figs. 5 and G, wherein the gear P carries pinions S, which intermesh with and drive the bevel-gears T W. The construction of differential or compensating gear, however, may be of the usual or any well-known construction and in the specific details thereof forms no part of the present invention, the essential idea being the intei-position of such a mechanism in the train of gearing which drives the traction-Wheels from the main shaft of the engine.

Suitably supported upon the frame of the engine is an auxiliary frame A', upon which is supported a carrier-frame B', extending transversely the line of travel of the engine and arranged at the rear of the engine and of the traction-wheels, as shown. This carrier-frame may be supported upon the auxiliary frame A' in any suitable manner. I have shown a convenient arrangement wherein the carrier-frame B' is provided at points adjacent to the respective ends thereof with hangers C' C'. To the upper hanger C' is connected a chain D', forming means for suspending the same from suitable brackets of the auxiliary frame A'. Similarly the lower bracket C' may be suspended by a chain E' from a convenient part of the auxiliary frame. If desired, either or both ends of the carrierframe B' may be adjusted vertically to vary the. inclination of the carrier-frame. In the drawings I have shown the lower end of the carrier-frame vertically adj usted by suspendceases ing the connection E' over a pulley F', carried upon a shaft G'. The shaft G' may be rotated by means of a lever H', carrying a pawl J', arranged to engage the teeth of a ratchet-disk K', also mounted on shaft G. By suitably manipulating the handle H and pawl J', carried thereby, the supporting connection E' may be readily wound upon or unwound from the pulley F', thereby raising or lowering the lower end of the carrier-frame. A pawl L' may serve to hold the ratchet-disk K' at any desired point.

Reference-sign M' designates the grading device or plow. This device is supported upon a beam N', which is journaled upon the outer end of axle N, (see Figs. l and 4,) said beam extending rearwardly from the axle in position for the grader or plow M' to be locked adjacent to the lower end of the carrier and to deliver to said carrier. Any particular or desired form of plow or grading device may be employed. The outer or free end ot' beam N' may be supported in any suitable or convenient manuel'. I have shown a preferred arrangement which permits the beam N' to be adj ustably raised or lowered, and with this object the outer or free end of said beam is suspended by a chain or other suitable connection O'from a shaft P', upon which, if desired, said chain may be wound or from which it may be unwound, a pawl-ratchet device (indicated at Q') serving to hold shaft P' in any desired position of rotative adjustment. The hand-wheel R' affords means for conveniently operating shaft P' to raise or lower the grading device.

Suitably journaled in the auxiliary frame A' is a shaft A2, upon which is mounted a pulley B2, adapted to be driven from the balance or fly wheel E in any suitable manner-as, for instance, by means of a belt connection C2. Mounted to slide longitudinally upon shaft A2, but constantly connected to rotate therewith, is a sleeve E2, (see Fig. 8,) to which sleeve is pivotally connected a section D2, carrying a bevel-gear F2. The section D2 is journaled in a bearing H2, formed on or carried by carrier-frame B'. in carrier-frame B', at the upper end thereof, is a roller or other suitable actuating device G2, upon the shaft of which is mounted a bevel-gear J2, arranged to mesh with gear F2, as clearly shown. A roller or actuating device K2 is suitably journaled in the lower end of carrier-frame B', and over the rollers or actuating devices G2 K2 operates a belt or carrier L2, said rollers G2 K2 constituting driving-rollers, one of which through the actuating gearing above described is positively driven. If desired and in order to adjust the tautness of the carrier-belt, one or the other of the rollers G2 K2 may be adjusted lengthwise of the carrier-frame. In Fig. 3 I

have shown the upper roller G2 journaled in a box, which operates in a longitudinal slot M2 in the side bars of the carrier-frame, a bolt N2 serving to effect the adjustment thereof.

Sutably journaled IOO ing, and hence the power required for actuating the carrier or elevator is not'transmitted through the traction-gearing, and hence such traction-gearing is relieved of the increased load and wear incident to the operation of the carrier through such gearing. lIt will also be seen that the elevator or carrier may be actuated without actuating the traction-wheels, and hence while the engine isfstanding still.

This is desirable for the reason thatI am; thereby enabled to continue the operation of the elevator or carrier to free the same of any dirt or other material being hoisted thereby after the engine stops, this being accomplished by merely throwing the traction-gearing out of operation by securing the clutch H without arresting the action of theelevator or carrier actuating mechanism. Byvavoiding the transmission of power'to the elevator-actuating devices through the traction-gearing I provide an exceedingly strong andA durable 'machine, wherein the wear onthe tractiongearing is reduced to a minimum. It will also be observed that inl the construction of actuating-gearing for the elevator or carrier I am enabled to raise or lower both ends of the carrier Without disturbing the operation of suchv actuating mechanism.

It will be readily understood thatmany variations and changes in the details of construction and arrangement would readily occur to persons skilled in the art and stillfall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited to the exact details shown and described; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and an illustrative construction embodying the principles thereof, what I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

l. Ina self-propelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine including a main crank-shaft and means foractuating the same, in combination with traction-wheels, an endless carrier arranged to operate transversely with respect to saidv engine, a grading implement arranged adjacentto the lower end of said elevator and operating in the plane of movement of the engine, direct driving connections between said crank-shaft and said elevator, and independent gearing between said crank-shaft and traction-wheels, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine includinga crankshaft, means for actuating the same, a iiy or balance wheel carried by said shaft and traction-wheels, in combination with an endless elevator operating transversely with respect to the line of travel of the machine, a plow arranged adjacent to the' lower end of said elevator and arranged to deliver thereto, direct driving connections between said fly or balance wheel and said endless elevator, and independent gearing between said crank-shaft and traction-wheels, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a self-propelling loadingand grading machine, a traction-engine including a main crank-shaft and means foroperating the same and a fly or balance wheelv carried bysaid shaft, in' combination with `traction-wheels, an endless elevator arranged to operate transversely with respect to the line of travelof ,the machine, a grading-plow connected tothe machine to operate in the direction of the line of travel of the machine and arranged adjacenttothe lower end of said elevator to deliverthereto, gearing actuated by saidmain crank-shaft and interposed between said shaft andtraction-wheels for driving the latter, and independent gearing actuated by said ily or balance wheel and directly connected to said elevator for actuating the same and means for detachably yclutching said traction-wheel-actuatinggearing from said crank-shaft wherebythe operation of said elevator may continue after the engine stops, as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine including amain crank-shaft and a iiy or balance wheel mounted thereon, in combination with tractionwheels, an endless elevator arranged to operatein a plane transverse to the line of travel of the machine, a grading implement arranged adjacent to the lower end of said elevator to deliver thereto, gearing interposed between said crank-shaft and said traction-wheels for driving the latter from said crank-shaft, a clutch for throwingsaid gearing out of operation, and a belt connection from said fly or balance wheel for operating said elevator, as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine including a main IOO crank-shaft, a iiy or balance wheel mounted f thereon, adrive-'pinion also mounted onrsaid shaft, traction-wheels, gearingvactuated by said pinion for driving said wheels, an elevator mounted on and operatingV transversely as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In a self-propelling loading and grading I 25 machine, a traction-engine including a main crank-shaft, a fly or balance Wheel mounted on said shaft, a pinionalso mounted onsaid shaft, traction-wheels, gearing actuatedv by said pinion for drivingsaid wheels, means for detachablyclutching said pinionto said shaft, an elevator extendingl transversely across the `line of travelof said machine, a plow arranged adjacent to the lower end thereof and to one side of said machine and arranged to deliver to said elevator, and a belt operating over said Hy or balance wheel and arranged to actuate said elevator, as and-for the purpose set forth.

7. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, atraction-engine including a main crank-shaft, a fly or balance wheel keyed to said shaft to rotate therewith, a drive-pinion loosely sleeved upon said shaft, means for detachably clutching said pinion to said fly or balance wheel,.traction-wheels, gearing actuated by said pinion for driving said wheels, an elevator arranged to extend transversely of the line of travel of said machine, a grading implement connected to the machine and arranged to one side thereof and at the lower end of said elevator, and gearing actuated by said fly or balance wheel for driving said elevator, as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine includinga crankshaft forming the main drive-shaft of the machine, a iiy-wheel keyed thereto, a drivingpinion loosely sleeved upon said shaft, a clutch for detachably connecting said pinion to said fly-wheel,compensatinggearing driven by said pinion, traction-wheels actuated by said compensating gearing, an elevator arranged at the rear of said machine and operatin g transversely thereof, a grading implementalso mounted at the rear and to one side of said machine and arranged adjacent to the lower end of said elevator to deliver thereto, and means for operating said elevator from said iiy-wheel, as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In a self-propelling loading and grading machine, including a main drive-shaft, an axle, traction-wheels mounted upon said axle, gearing driven from said main drive-shaft for actuating said traction-wheels, grading mechanism connected to said axle, a loading-carrier to which said grading mechanism delivers, and gearing actuated by said main shaft for driving said loading-carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In a selfpropelling grading and loading machine, a traction-engine including a main drive-shaft, an axle, traction wheels mounted upon said axle, gearing intermediate said main shaft and axle for driving said wheels, a beam suspended upon said axle and carrying a grading device, an elevator or carrier to which said grading device delivers, and gearing driven from said main drive-shaft for actuating said elevator or carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In a self propelling grading and loading machine, a traction engine including a main driveshaft, an axle, traction gears mounted thereon, gearing intermediate said axle and main shaft for driving said tractionwheels, a supporting-beam journaled at one end upon said axle and a grading device carried by the other end of' said supportingbeam,means for raising and lowering the free end of said supporting-beam, an elevator or carrier to which said grading device delivers and gearing actuated by said main shaft for driving said elevator or carrier,as and for the purpose set forth.

12. In a selfpropelling grading and loading machine,a'traction-engine,tractionwheels and gearing for driving the latter, in combination with a grading and loading machine mechanism including an elevator or carrier, a sprocket-roll over which said elevator or carrier operates, driving mechanism operated by the traction -engine for actuating said sprocket-roll and including a universal compensating joint connection, and means for changing the angle of inclination of said elevator or carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

13. In a self-propelling grading and loading machine, a traction-engine including a main shaft and traction-Wheels driven therefrom,in combination with an auxiliary frame, loading mechanism mounted on said auxiliary frame including an elevator or carrier, a shaft journaled in said auxiliary frame, gearing for actuating said elevator or carrier,flexi ble connections between said shaft and gearing, and means for driving said shaft from the main shaft of the traction-engine, as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In a selfpropelling loading and grading machine, a traction-engine, a main shaft, traction-Wheels,gearing for driving the latter from said shaft, a loading-carrier, a driveshaft therefor, a sleeve connected to rotate with said drive-shaft but capable of longitudinal movement thereon, a section pivotally connected to said sleeve, gearing actuated by said section for driving said carrier, and means actuated by said main shaft for independently rotating said drive-shaft, as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In a self -propelling grading and loading machine, a traction-engine, a main driveshaft, a fly or balance wheel mounted thereon to rotate therewith, traction-wheels, gearingr actuated by said main shaft for driving said traction-wheels, an elevator mounted on said machine at the rear end thereof and operating transversely of the line of travel of such machine, a grading implement also carried by said machine at the rear end and to one side thereof and adjacent to the lower end of said elevator, a driving-pulley for said elevator, and a belt operating over said drivingpulley and said fiy or balance wheel, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 17th day of November, 1900, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE F. CONNER.

Witnesses:

H. B. HOYT, G. R. HAIGH.

IIO 

